Gurias extend lead

The National Sports

By PARKER TAMBUA
RABAUL Gurias consolidated their lead on the Digicel Cup ladder after they crushed hosts Central Dabaris 42-12 in round seven at the Santos National Football Stadium yesterday.
It was a dream weekend for the Agmark-sponsored Gurias following a 10-10 draw between Lae Tigers and visitors Gulf Isou, who both occupy the second and third spots respectively.
Fullback Junias Guan and former SP Hunter Joe Frank starred in the win, scoring a double each. Guan was later named man of the match.
The game was in the balance as Dabaris trailed 12-14 in the 61st minute.
But the Central government-sponsored side’s defence dropped off 18 minutes from fulltime as the Gurias scored five unanswered tries to win.
The Dabaris opened the scoring through halfback Lote Kuman. A successful conversion saw them lead 6-0.
The Francis Ray-coached Gurias responded in the next set through Dominic Anis Jr who scored in the corner.
Five minutes from halftime, the Gurias scored two more tries through Joe Frank and Daniel Pai in consecutive sets.
Saki Peter missed two conversions while Ase Boas kicked one as the Gurias led 14-6 at halftime.
The Dabaris came back strongly in the second half as forwards Sydney Koi, Mondo Laki, Benard Goma Jr and hooker Presley Soto dominated with big runs and tackles for the Central franchise.
The Steven Gunua-coached side cut the margin to two points in the 60th minute when centre Mega Pali scored a converted try.
But the Dabaris’ hopes of a fightback were short-lived as Guan scored in the next set which opened the floodgates with Frank completing his double and Ismael Waiya and Mark Alunga scoring in the space of six minutes.
Guan completed his double on the stroke of fulltime to seal the win for the in-form Gurias side this season.
Boas’ goal-kicking was put on show after he converted all of the Gurias’ second-half tries giving them a 30-point victory.
“I am happy with the overall performance of the team,” Ray said after the game.
“Ase directed our attack well alongside Saki.”
Results: Sat, June 4 – Cutters 28 Tumbe 0; Sun, June 5 – Vipers 16 Mioks 12, Muruks 24 Lahanis 16, Eagles 14 Wigmen 22, Tigers 10 Isou 10, Dabaris 12 Gurias 42.